Operation Holiday Heroes

29 Nov Operation Holiday Heroes

While it may seem far away, Christmas will be here before we know it. United Way of the Lowcountry is proud to partner with Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, The Beaufort Gazette/ Island Packet, The Salvation Army, Love House Ministries, Bluffton Self Help and Deep Well Project again this year to provide Christmas assistance to those in need through Operation Holiday Heroes.

Operation Holiday Heroes is a county-wide collaboration to ensure that every child and family in need has toys and food for Christmas.

Last year, Operation Holiday Heroes provided Christmas gifts and meals to 1,816 families throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties, including 3,936 children. This past year, Operation Holiday Heroes saw a significant increase in need due to the impacts of Hurricane Matthew and this coming year United Way of the Lowcountry is expecting those numbers to stay steady due to the impacts of Tropical Storm Irma.

Ways to Help with Operation Holiday Heroes

Donate toys by dropping them off at any of the United Way of the Lowcountry offices (Beaufort, Bluffton, Ridgeland) or at one of the many Toys for Tots boxes throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. For a full list of toy donation drop-off locations, visit toysfortots.org

Make a monetary donation to Operation Holiday Heroes online at uwlowcountry.org or by making a check payable to Operation Holiday Heroes. Send checks to United Way of the Lowcountry, P.O. Box 202, Beaufort, SC 29901 or drop off at United Way of the Lowcountry (Beaufort Office), located at 1277 Ribaut Road. (Contributors who make a monetary donation will be recognized and listed weekly in the Beaufort Gazette/ Island Packet. Please indicate if you wish to remain anonymous.)

Host a holiday or dinner party and collect gifts or donations for Operation Holiday Heroes.

Make a donation in memory of a loved one or in honor of them.

(Businesses) – Become a Toys for Tots Drop-off location by requesting a box on the Toys for Tots website – toysfortots.org

Requesting Assistance

If you need Christmas assistance, reach out by registering for Operation Holiday Heroes. Those needing assistance this holiday season, should register at one of the following locations throughout Beaufort and Jasper Counties. Please note: Children are not allowed at sign-up or toy distribution.

Bluffton Self Help – phone: (843) 757-8000 (39 Sheridan Park Circle, Suite 10, Bluffton)
Bluffton Self Help will be conducting their registration process from November 28th – December 16th. The holiday toy shop will be open December 16th – 20th. Additionally, there will be a kids-only shopping day TBD. Please contact Bluffton Self Help directly for a complete list of times to register.

Hilton Head Island

Deep Well Project – phone: (843) 785-2849 (80 Capital Drive, HHI)
If you live on Hilton Head Island, Deep Well will be conducting their registration process on the following Saturdays from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm: November 4th – December 9th. Clients must come to their office and bring a current utility bill.

Jasper County & Hampton County

Bluffton Self Help is collaborating with the Antioch Educational Center, Agape Family Life Center and Community of One to provide Christmas assistance to Jasper and Hampton Counties. Registrations will be conducted at the below sites: